How to Grow Gaillardia from Seed

Commonly known as blanketflower and hardy to USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10, the wildflowers in the Gaillardia species produce blooms in the shape of daisies. In June through October, the flowers develop with reddish centers and yellow petals. Gaillardia also grows with a mounding habit with the clumps of foliage and flowers reaching 1 foot to 3 feet in height. This plant's seeds resemble a sunflower's, but are much smaller. Don't bury them at planting.

Soaker hose
5-10-10 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Select a site that drains quickly and is in full sun at least six hours a day. Choose a plot of any size, keeping in mind you need a rate of 3 pounds of Gaillardia seeds per acre to fill the bed with blooms. Clear the area of weeds and debris.
- 2
  Broadcast the Gaillardia seeds on the ground surface by hand when the day temperature begins to hold at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds are too fine to try to space them out at this stage. Besides, not all of them might germinate, creating gaps in the garden if you concentrate them every few inches. You will thin the seedlings to the proper distance in a later step. Cover the seeds with a 1/8-inch layer of topsoil.
- 3
  Install a soaker hose on the seedbed to provide gentle irrigation until germination. Water the seeds at planting to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Continue to maintain the area irrigated until germination. Seedlings appear within 45 days, but it might take as few as 15 days for the baby blanketflowers to sprout.
- 4
  Thin the seedlings to one plant for every 14 to 16 inches of garden bed.
- 5
  Feed the developing plants a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 analysis. Follow the application rates for the brand you selected.
- 6
  Irrigate established Gaillardia to the root zone when the plants begin to wilt. These plants thrive in dry environments.

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